Recruitment has opened for a non-executive board member to join the board of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
The position is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the future of apprenticeships and skills training, as IfATE works to transform and improve the skills system by putting employers at its heart.
IfATE supports employers to develop, approve, review and revise apprenticeships and technical qualifications, which is the best way of driving up quality and making sure all training meets the economy’s skills needs. Apprentices from all backgrounds also benefit because they can be confident they are learning skills businesses really value.
The Board provides leadership and direction to all of this, setting strategic aims, values, and standards and following IfATE's governance framework.
The Board consists of the Chair, the Chief Executive and 10 non-executive members appointed by the Secretary of State for Education. Our board members have a wealth of knowledge and experience, either as employers from a wide range of sectors, or as leaders in technical education.
Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE has been the Chair of the Board since August 2021, having been chief executive officer of Mitie Group PLC from 2007 to 2016. She is one of a small number of women who have held the position of chief executive in the FTSE 250, and the first Asian woman to be appointed in such a role within that group of companies.
Baroness McGregor-Smith said: “This is an exciting time to join IfATE. Employer-led apprenticeships and technical education are so important to give the workforce the skills employers really need and create growth and opportunity for everyone. IfATE is here to make sure the programmes are high-quality and work for everyone. Becoming an IfATE board member is a brilliant opportunity to make things better and work with us to build a world-class skills system.”
The ideal candidate will have exceptional leadership skills, a proven track record of commanding respect from employers, and a sound understanding of the central role apprenticeships and technical education will play as part of the Government’s skills agenda.
Given its employer-led work, applications are particularly welcome from current senior business or public sector employers whose organisations recruit through a range of entry routes and who employ a significant number of apprentices or students who have undertaken technical qualifications.
Applications are also encouraged from under-represented groups, those based outside London and the South East and applicants who have achieved success through non-traditional educational routes.
Recruitment will close at 9am on 12 June. Find out more and apply on the government website.